Of all the recent cafes I went to, I am confident enough to say Gastrosmith’s food and service left a deep impression, in a positive way. It is a takeoff from its previous establishment The Humble Loaf – in which the place became too small to accommodate all their regular guests. Their cuisine is derived from the various gastronomic experiences they had from different cultures and countries. Signature items include the Hokubee Ribeye Bowl with 200g hokubee ribeye, furikake rice, and option of 63 degree egg. (Read: GastroSmiths)

The Bridge, so named because it is between North and South Bridge Roads, is a Modern European Restaurant, café and bar. Its Value Lunch Set ($16.90) is indeed value for money, with a soup or casear salad, main and drink. I was impressed with its Beef Cheek Stew and Fish & Chip. The menu and price looks promising enough for a return visit. (Read: Bridge Cafe)

Upon entering the café, the bright multiple colours of yellow, pink and green pop at you. De’pop Culture is a pop-art theme café located at North Bridge Road near Arab Street. It serves fresh in-house baked desserts and comfort food such as De’Pop Breakfast Platter ($18.90 for one, $28.90 for two), Crab and the Dog ($15.90), French Toast feat. Banana-tella ($11.90). Their batter and sauces are made from scratch.

The cafe is designed to be minimalist but cosy to encourage informal groups of gathering over coffee or tea synonymous with the name of the cafe “Klatch”. Overlooking a leafy courtyard, the cafe serves typical cafe fare such as lattes ($5.50), various artisanal bakes (from $4.50 to $6.20), finger foods such as truffle fries ($7.50) and sweet potato fries ($5.20) to Lasagna ($7.50) and Shepherd Pies ($4.50). For the health conscious, cold pressed fresh juices are also available.

The sister bakery café of Freshly Baked by Les Bijoux at Killiney, The Dough Shoppe is also headed by Chief Baker Audrey Tan, and prides itself on serving handmade artisan bread, pastries, cakes and sandwiches. Located near Stranger’s Reunion and Waffle Slayer.

The Alley is the perfect playground for an alternative individual, with an alternative contemporary design, and boasting two retro game machines. Food wise is freshly prepared bistro style menu with an Asian fusion, such as The Greasy Spoon ($16), The Alley Half Pounder ($22) and Truffle Mac and Cheese ($15).

This is a café where food means serious business. JBM is another new dining place for CBD folks, located at the newly revamped One Raffles Place Mall. They boast for a wholesome menu which reflects touches of rustic French and Italian fare, prepared by Chef Chamara Fonseka (previously from Au Petit Salut and Covelli). Latte art is beautiful, because coffee creations are under the purveyance of barista Shaw Shyne Wei (Shawn) whose came in first runner up at Singapore’s National Latte Art Championship 2014.

Another at Tiong Bahru. Owner cum baker Tricia graduated from New York International Culinary Centre, and was fortunate to have interned at Dominique Ansel’s bakery (which created the Cronut). Whisk’s cakes and pastries are not too bad, the passion behind it admirable considering it is family-run, and you sense the people serving you are nice and sincere. My favourite item at the moment was the Lemon Tart ($5) which had a fresh and smooth tangy twang. (Read: Whisk Café at Tiong Bahru)

Campus Superstar alumni, singer cum blogger Renfred Ng adds another credential to his resume – setting up The Milky Way Waffles at Tanglin Halt. Waffles ($5.00, add $3 for 1 scoop of regular ice cream) come in half and half, crisp on the outside and fluffy enough. Coffee made with a house blend, is pleasant tasting and nutty, pulled by the owner himself. (Read: The Milky Way at Tanglin Halt)

Kki has found a new home at School of the Arts SOTA with a bigger space, and extended concept to sell home accessories. Their cakes did not disappoint. Still so wonderful, and I found new favourites. The Formage Melon ($8.80), a cheese mousse cake with melon coulis was airy-light and smooth-delicate, as though as I was eating a slice of dream. Prettiness had also found its place in the pink Nao cake ($9.80). (Read Kki at SOTA)

The Criollo, Trinitario and Trinitario are often referred to as fine or flavour cocoa beans, one of the highest quality around. The café at Orchard Gateway is usually quiet and offers a charming view of Orchard Road. If you make a special request, the barista may do a special hot chocolate art for you.

Toa Payoh is becoming more and more exciting with its choices of cafes. Opening mid-Septemer, Les Patisserie café will offer a variety of french pastries, coffee, tea, waffles, ice cream and main courses. All food and pastries served are prepared daily by their chefs. Expect some signature items such as L’Rocky ($7), French Apple Tart priced ($6) and Baked Truffle Mushroom Pasta ($9.90).

Finally, something different, and something I always imagined – traditional coffee and toast served in a ‘Western’ style indie café. The kaya toast ($2, updated price went up to $3.50!) is almost the same as Yakun’s, except that the filling is very much sweeter. Coffee is blended with both Arabica & Robusta beans. My advice is to ask for ‘siu dai’ when possible. Salads, soups, wraps, pancakes, and cakes are also available. Next door neighbour with Old Hen Coffee Bar (Rangoon Road), and La’coffee got a very auspicious unit number. (Read: La’coffee)

If you were thinking it gets easier (foe me), actually, it doesn’t. My recent visits and research had more ‘mishaps’ – ovens not working, insufficient kitchen staff, coffee machine not calibrated properly, spaces not cleaned, closed cafes (not updated in facebook), and less responsive to emails. Not all of course, some.

As I am writing this, I know of at least 5 more cafes undergoing renovations. Main advice is: Open when you are ready. All the best guys!

Thanks Daniel for the listings. There are lots of cafés opening but I have yet to savour some great coffee imported from Western Australia. Years ago I was on holiday in perth, by chance I drank a nice australian roast coffee and todate I’m still drinking their coffee. Roast on demand, distinctive flavours, obsolutely no enhancers, no preservatives and to date their special blends have won many medals and I congratulate them that the Nova Blend Coffee just won a Gold Medal from The Royal Agruculture society of Tasmania.